Executive Director

We are inviting application for our first ever Executive Director to lead our organisation. We are looking for someone passionate about the work we do, someone who thrives within a community of volunteers, and someone who can lead our fundraising efforts from trusts, foundations, individuals and corporates.

Executive Director

circa £42,000 pa

1-year fixed term contract, with continuation subject to funding.

Full time, 35 hours per week – open to jobshare

East London (initially home based)

Background

The Bow Foodbank Limited (BFBL) is a registered charity, founded in 2014. Our mission is to support those in financial crisis through the provision of food and essential items, and through additional free confidential support with legal, welfare and benefits issues.

The charity was formed by a coalition of community and faith-based organisations in response to the growing local need for emergency food support.  Our operating model is underpinned by the desire to protect the dignity of those who ask for support. We have a “free choice” model, challenging the stigma by providing a shop- style layout for clients’ own choice – although this has not been possible since March 2020 because of the distancing regulations. A key element of our approach is that we do not ask clients for personal information about themselves, only demographic questions.

We have two foodbanks, both within Tower Hamlets- one in Bow which operates on a Monday and the second in Bethnal Green which operates on a Wednesday. 

The Position

We are looking for an Executive Director to lead strategic development and senior management functions. These include finance, fundraising, volunteer management, and communications. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running and development of the services offered by the Foodbank.

This is a new post and we intend further recruitment with the advice of the Executive Director when in post. The need is to introduce a staffing structure to meet our current and future operational needs.

We are a diverse organisation serving a diverse client group, and we actively encourage the widest possible range of candidates and welcome applicants regardless of race, age, disability, faith, gender and sexual orientation.

We encourage candidates with lived experience of poverty, exclusion and homelessness.

About you

The successful applicant will have proven experience in creating clear strategic business plans, in financial responsibility, and in fulfilling goals, and must have the qualities and experience necessary to lead our committed and dedicated diverse volunteer team.

Please note, some weekend and/or evening working may be required.

Application process

For further details on this opportunity please download the attached job description.

To apply for the post we are looking for a CV and, separate to that, answers to the following questions on no more than two pages.

1. Why do you want to work for Bow Foodbank?
2. Provide examples of your experience related to the post.
3. Talk us through a related achievement that you are proud of.

Please send your CV with the covering statement by 0900 on Tuesday 4 May.

Thank you for your interest in the role, we look forward to reviewing your application.